Yogyakarta (19/7) – On 19-20 July, Avriza Devano Bestafa had the valuable opportunity to take part in a two-day internship at the Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics Research Laboratory under the Research and Innovation Institute of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (LRI UMY). Under the guidance of drg. Arya Adiningrat, Ph.D., it began as part of an observation study at UMY’s Dental and Oral Hospital (RSGM AMC), but later evolved into a special report due to Avriza’s interest in research methods and laboratory facilities in Indonesia, which she compared to her previous experience at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).

Initially, Avriza returned to Indonesia with a three-month holiday plan and was looking for job opportunities relevant to her interests in bioengineering. With a big dream to establish a biomedical company in Indonesia, this experience brought Avriza closer to her long-term dream. Avriza spent the first day with an orientation and introduction to safety protocols and modern laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, PCR machines, and biosafety cabinets. She also had the opportunity to observe laboratory procedures involving bacterial identification using gel electrophoresis and bacterial subculture.

The second day was filled with observations of cell culture reconstruction processes and media preparation for cell growth. Avriza was very impressed with the hygiene standards applied in the laboratory, which reflects a commitment to quality research in Indonesia. Discussions with drg. Arya also gave Avriza an in-depth insight into the challenges and opportunities in research in Indonesia, as well as the importance of changing society’s mindset towards long-term scientific support.

This experience not only enriched Avriza’s knowledge in the field of molecular research, but also strengthened her resolve to contribute to the development of biomedical science in Indonesia in the future.